Planning for the end times requires wisdom.

“I don’t get anything out of prayer”: This frequently heard lament in the world of pastoring includes many variations: “I don’t get anything out of going to Mass/going to Confession/attending parish missions/believing what my faith teaches/practicing the responsibilities of my religion.”

“God’s kingdom is like 10 young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.

Prepare for the coming of the Kingdom? I’m stressed out just preparing for my upcoming move to another state. After 27 years of living in Chicago, I’m moving to a very small town in rural Michigan. I’m in the thick of getting ready for it: packing boxes, calling movers, visiting with friends to say goodbye.

Our God is our help, and we call upon God by name.

The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord.